Kaleidoscope effect

Jewellery kaleidoscope

Symbolism of wearing rings

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Symbolism of wearing rings. Portrait of the Infanta of Spain and Queen Isabella Clara Eugenia of Austria'

Fragment of work by Alonso Sanchez Coello (1531-1588) ‘Portrait of the Infanta of Spain and Queen Isabella Clara Eugenia of Austria’. Symbolism of wearing rings

Symbolism of wearing rings
Ring on the thumb – a symbol of wealth, on the index – belonging to a powerful family or any fraternity, and a ring on the little finger may indicate professional status. Does it matter on which finger to wear a ring?
There are many traditions in wearing jewelry. Knowing the symbolism, you can “make a statement” or learn something about its owner.
Rigid set of rules on which finger and which hand to wear the ring does not exist and anyone can wear the ring as he pleases, except wedding. But there are nuances. For example, in the majority of South and North America, including, most European countries wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, and in accordance with Orthodox tradition they are worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Bartholomeus van der Helst - Abraham del Court and his wife Maria de Kaersgieter, 1654

Bartholomeus van der Helst – Abraham del Court and his wife Maria de Kaersgieter, 1654

As a rule, the right hand will tell more about the physical side of man – it is more active, dominant, more “gestures”. Left hand is generally regarded as a reflection of the psychological aspect of a person’s identity – it says more about the character and beliefs.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Portrait of a Married Couple in the Park, Gonzales Coques

Portrait of a Married Couple in the Park, Gonzales Coques

Thumb symbolizes willpower and reflects the inner essence of man. If you start wearing a ring on your thumb – be careful, in your life will soon change. Also wearing a ring on the thumb helps to develop the will.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Sofonisba Anguissola, Portrait of Archduchess Johanna of Austria, 1561

Sofonisba Anguissola, Portrait of Archduchess Johanna of Austria, 1561

Rings on thumbs are often surprising, but, in fact, this phenomenon is quite common in the world. In most cases the ring on the thumb is perceived as a symbol of wealth and influence, and the ring in this case is often wide and large. Previously, on the thumb often wore engagement ring. This tradition existed, particularly in times of George I of England. In medieval Europe wedding rings were generally worn on different fingers. This is also the usual choice of those who want to wear multiple rings on one hand, but so that several rings distanced from each other. Wedding ring, the ring on the little finger and middle finger together can cause a feeling of excess and in this version are not always comfortable to wear. Ring on the thumb “unloads” composition.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Quentin Matsys. Portrait Profile of an Old Man

Quentin Matsys. Portrait Profile of an Old Man

Thumb lifted upwards – a gesture of friendliness, so do not wear a ring on it, which will annoy other people. There is nothing worse than an expensive and gaudy ring on his thumb. Best of all, when it is a bold but simple. Although many authors believe that the thumb has neither astrological associations nor patron among the Greek gods, like all the other fingers. It is often associated with warlike Mars. It was believed that the thumb reflects the character – strong straight fingers are characteristic of authority figures, and the curves were perceived as a sign of sinfulness. Astrology connects the thumb with carnelian, garnet and ruby.

Symbolism of wearing rings

Symbolism of wearing rings. Indian miniature depicting Shah Jahan archery ring on the thumb of his right hand

Indian miniature depicting Shah Jahan archery ring on the thumb of his right hand

There is another important point – on the thumb since ancient times men wore a ring for archery, initially these rings were made of leather. Therefore, the presence of antique ring on the thumb associated with the courage and the ability to own a gun. Perhaps for this reason, wearing a rather large and wide ring on this finger remains to this day a male prerogative and a symbol of masculinity.

Symbolism of wearing rings. 1575-1578 Portrait of Elizabeth, attributed to Nicholas Hilliard (Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge UK)

1575-1578 Portrait of Elizabeth, attributed to Nicholas Hilliard (Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge UK)

Left thumb is not to make a statement about your status, profession or other important parts of life. But it’s beautiful finger to “statements” – select a wide ring that will not interfere with the arm, and people will realize that you – a man fashionable and confident.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Portrait 'Pelican' 1572. Queen Elizabeth I. Nicholas Hilliard

Portrait ‘Pelican’ 1572. Queen Elizabeth I. Nicholas Hilliard

Symbolism of wearing rings. 1543 Eleonora de Toledo by Bronzino. National Gallery, Czech Republic

Symbolism of wearing rings. 1543 Eleonora de Toledo by Bronzino. National Gallery, Prague Czech Republic

The index finger represents authority, leadership and ambition. It is believed that wearing ring on this finger activates exactly the kind of energy. This was particularly evident in those days, when famous and powerful kings wore ring on the index finger. Wear a ring on this finger, if you want to develop leadership skills and get a push for development in this direction.

Symbolism of wearing rings. 1585 Infanta Catalina Micaela Alonso Sanchez Coello (Prado)

1585 Infanta Catalina Micaela Alonso Sanchez Coello (Prado)

Instinctively, we are more likely to use the index finger gestures. But it turns out the ring on this finger prevents us less than neighboring middle finger. In the history of wearing rings (more signets or rings) on the index finger was the most common, except in those cases where, in some regions of Europe it was prohibited for persons below a certain status. Therefore, this finger ring is often worn (especially by men), symbolizing affiliation to any fraternity, membership in the organization, and so on. The ring on the index finger doesn’t stand out as on the middle finger or little finger, but thanks to gestures, enough noticeable. Astrological association – Jupiter, which symbolizes strength, leadership, authority and spirituality. Metal of Jupiter – tin, but the normal choice is silver. Astrological stones for the index finger – lapis lazuli, amethyst, blue topaz.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia (1566-1633) 1598

Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia (1566-1633) 1598

Left index finger is not completely unique in symbolism, although it is a good finger in order to demonstrate the important rings. To make you ring noticed – you can wear especially valuable ring or your cocktail ring on this finger.

Symbolism of wearing rings. 1570 Elisabeth of Austria

1570. Elisabeth of Austria

Symbolism of wearing rings. Pimen Nikitich Orlov (1812-1865). Portrait of an unknown in the Russian court dress

Pimen Nikitich Orlov (1812-1865). Portrait of an unknown in the Russian court dress

Right index finger – a place for an engagement ring at a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. As a rule, for this purpose, wear a simple gold ring. Often the bride after the ceremony moves the ring to the usual ring finger, but some continue to wear it on the index finger. Earlier in Russia was also the custom of wearing the wedding ring on the index finger.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Right index finger

Middle finger

The Middle finger – this is person’s personality. Located in the center the ring symbolizes balanced life. And wearing the ring on the middle finger helps to make life more harmonious. If you do not take into account the well-known gesture, the middle finger is the big, strong and brave finger. Rings on it are surprisingly rare, apparently, because it is next to the index and ring fingers, not comfortable for various reasons.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Renaissance Woman

Renaissance Woman

It is better to wear simple and small ring on the middle finger. The central location of the middle finger symbolizes balance, it is associated with Saturn, Saturn metal is lead, simple gray metals are well suited for this finger. Saturn stands for balance, justice, law, responsibility and self-analysis. Its stones – soothing, such as rose quartz, coral, aquamarine.

Symbolism of wearing rings

Josephine-Eleonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassace de Bearn, princesse de Broglie

The ring finger of the left hand has a direct connection with the heart. For this reason, a wedding ring is worn on this finger in most countries of the world. Wearing a ring on this finger will add into your life positive emotions and affection, as well as enhance creativity and taste for creativity. Wearing a ring on the ring finger of the right hand will make you more optimistic.

Symbolism of wearing rings. Anne Cleves

Anne Cleves

Symbolically, the ring finger is associated with the moon, the beauty and creativity, as well as, obviously, with romantic relationships. Metal of the Moon – Silver – a natural choice for rings that are worn on the ring finger, if it’s not an engagement ring. Wedding rings are traditionally more likely made of gold. Finger is associated with Apollo. Gems – moonstone, jade, amethyst, turquoise.

Symbolism of wearing rings

Charles Couperin and the painter’s daughter, c. 1665–1670

The little finger combines all the relationships and communication with the outside world, as well as communication with other people. Wearing a ring on the little finger helps to improve relationships, especially in marriage, but also in business. The little finger is also responsible for the success in creativity, harmony in the emotional sphere and in the material world.

Symbolism of wearing rings

Symbolism of wearing rings

HOW MANY RINGS can be worn? This depends on the rings. For example, a set of multiple thin rings on one finger is perceived as one. Can be considered a safe maximum of 2-3 rings scattered on both hands. Men are better to wear one “statement” ring and nothing else, or in combination with a wedding one. But again – rules on this subject do not exist here advisors may only be a sense of proportion and taste.